RI-RTF workers who provide intermediate resources and family-type resources for users of Quebec’s health and social services network have been negotiating with the Legault government for more than seven months to renew their collective agreement. Unfortunately, talks have reached an impasse, prompting the union representing RI-RTF workers to request mediation.
“Although the atmosphere at the bargaining table is quite cordial, we must admit that we’re disappointed at Minister Dubé’s lack of openness to our non-monetary demands. Though RI-RTF workers are not as well known as other services in the network, they are crucial to their clients and their families,” said CUPE representative Alexandre Prégent.
A comprehensive offer was submitted last Monday in an attempt to reach a settlement. Although the union acknowledges that the ministry has achieved some progress on monetary issues, its key demands on non-monetary issues are at a standstill.
The minister has flatly refused to discuss crucial topics, particularly a request to review the weighting of the classification system, an improvement to the clients’ displacement system and the addition of basic contractual protections for resources.
“We hope that this request to the Ministry of Labour to bring the parties closer together will be successful. RI-RTF workers act in partnership with public-sector institutions that provide professional follow-up to users entrusted to them. They deserve to be listened to,” added Prégent.
RI-RTF workers provide a natural living environment to clients and complement the institutional sector.